Top 15 fun things to do in Bangkok for first timers

Bangkok originates from a small commercial center which was a commercial port located in the west of Chao Phraya about 200 years ago. Nowadays , when the city grows at the pace of the times, the majesty and glory of the past still remain intact. The bright temples, beautiful palaces, famous floating markets or colorful Chinatown quarters. Every famous place has a fascinating story to tell. Bangkok is the place where the convergence of traditional and modern culture, food, entertainment and shopping. Bangkok has many interesting tourist attractions. Many visitors from around the world come here because of the historical monuments and golden temples. From the glittering golden temples to the famous Thai massage services, Bangkok absolutely is the most vibrant city in Thailand. Now, let’s discover top 15 fun things to do in Bangkok for the first timers.

Wat Arun and Chao Phraya River at dusk.Chao Phraya RiverThe Chao Phraya River at night

The Grand Palace Bangkok

Grande Palace, one of the most famous palaces in Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace used to be home to the royal family of Thailand, is a long- standing historic structure. It was built in 1782. Although the Thai royal family now lives in the Dusit Palace, The government of this country is still working at the Grand Palace. Inside the Grand Palace, you can visit Wat Phra Kaew (the local name is Wat Phra Kaew). The Jade Buddha Temple is considered one of the holiest temples in Thailand.

The Grand Palace, which is very magnificent, used to be home to the royal family of Thailand. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok.

Grand Palace Bangkok

Grand Palace Bangkok. One of the best places to visit in Bangkok.Wat Phra Kaew in Grand Palace. One of the best places to visit in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace is one of the top places to visit in Bangkok.Grand Palace is one of the must visit places in Bangkok

The Grand Palace

Wat Pho Temple (or Wat Po)

Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok

Being called Wat Pho Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, where have the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. The most famous things are the reclining Buddha statue with 46 meters long. The whole body is covered with gold leaf, the legs were designed with nacre. If you want to relax, you can go to Thai traditional medical school which located in the temple complex. The school is also the birthplace of Thai massage art.

The reclining Buddha statue which is covered with gold leaf. One of the best places to visit in Bangkok

Wat Pho is one of the best places you must visit in BangkokWat Pho is one of the must visit places in Bangkok

Wat Pho Temple

Boating on the river

Taking a boat tour along the river, you will see many beautiful places in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

Bangkok is referred to as the “Oriental Venice” by the Chao Phraya River and the surrounding small canals. Today, about 50.000 people are still traveling by ferry boat to work. Taking a boat tour along the river, you will see the bungalows, modern hotels, skyscrapers, and pictures Wat Arun.

Riding on boat on Chao Phrayariver. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

Enjoying the coconut ice cream

Coconut ice cream, one of the most delicious ice cream in Bangkok. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

The cool and sweet tastes of coconut ice cream are very suitable for sunny days. This dish is the most delicious when putting in the coconut, so just eat ice cream you can both with a spoon of fresh coconut.

The cool and sweet tastes of coconut ice cream are very suitable for sunny days.

Rot Fai Night Market (Rot Street Market)

Rod Fai market, one of the most famous night markets in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

Rot Fai Night Market is an outdoor shopping destination with lots of fashion stalls, antique and food. It opens from 18:00 to midnight, from Thursday to Sunday. After shopping, you can sit back and enjoy the local food. The first Rot Fai Night Market is located on Srinakarin Soi. The newly opened Rot Fai Ratchada Market on Ratchada Road is close to the center and more convenient for visitors.

Rot Fai Night Market is highlighted with colorful light. One of the best places to visit in Bangkok

Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak Market, one of the largest markets in the world. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

Gathering more than 8000 stalls which are more than 100,000 square meters. Chatuchak Market is one of the largest markets in the world. Chatuchak usually only opens on Saturdays and Sundays. You can find here all the desired items at the good price.

All the items are sold at the good price in Chatuchak MarketRod Fai market is one of the top places to visit in Bangkok

Visiting floating markets is one of the cool things to do in Bangkok for the first time visitors.

You can rent a tour or take a bus or a train to some floating markets which are not far from Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is about an hour’s drive from the capital. It is the most famous floating markets in Bangkok, but it is often crowded. Amphawa floating market has wooden houses along the canal, the scene is quite cute. Meanwhile, Klong Lat Mayom floating market is smaller, but mostly locals. You can buy a lot of sweet food while watching the boat.

Here are some famous floating markets for you to visit when you come to Bangkok:

Sitting tuktuk

Riding on Tuktuk is one of the top fun things to do in Bangkok.

Tuktuk is definitely something to try when you come to Thailand. A tuktuk ride around the city which gives you a chance to see the streets as well as some famous places of interest. If not, you can choose to rent a motorcycle.

Watching Muay Thai match

Muay Thai is the national sport of the Golden Temple country. One of the top fun things to do in Bangkok.

Muay Thai is the national sport of the Golden Temple country. The largest Muay Stadium is Bangkok, like Lumpini. You can buy a ticket in advance, or buy it on tour to have a guide explaining Muay.

Here are some hints for you to choose a best Muay Thai stadium to watch:

Relaxing with Thai massage

Thai massage is a perfect choice for you to relax when you come to Bangkok. Riding on Tuktuk is one of the top cool things to do in Bangkok.

If you want to have a unique experience, you should choose massage services at the massage school in Wat Pho. Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and still maintains the place as well as offering massage services. Specialists or massage students can make the service. Profits will be used to upgrade schools and temples.

Enjoying street food

Street food in Bangkok is famous for the delicious and special tastes. One of the top must things to do in Bangkok.

You will find the cheap and delicious street food here from Pad Thai to chicken curry noodles, fish noodles, or famous mango rolls.

Royal Elephant Museum

Royal Elephant Museum, one of the best museums in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the fun things to do in Bangkok.

Elephants are a symbol of Thailand and occupy an important place in the heart of the people here. The museum displays elephants belonging to Thai culture, ancient religious beliefs and ancient monsters.

Royal Elephant Museum

Wandering the open flower market throughout the night

Flower market has a variety of beautiful flowers

Pak Klong Talad is Bangkok’s largest wholesale and retail flower market. However, when visiting here, you should keep in mind not to disturb the owner’s trade, especially from midnight to dawn – the busiest time.

Pak Klong Talad flower market

Shopping until you are tired

Thailand is a shopping paradise no matter how much money you have in your wallet. If you want to buy luxury items, you can visit Siam Paragon, the capacity of more than 250 stores. It has Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, cinemas, and enough food stores. Even here there are exhibits of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Or you can choose MBK Shopping Center if you love technology.

Siam Paragon, one of the best shopping centers in the world

you can choose MBK Shopping Center to go shopping if you love technology

Here are some best shopping centers for you to go shopping when you visit Bangkok:

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